Card Game · Economic

Wheels of Change: The US Auto Industry of the 1950s

“Always give more than you promised.” –Motto of the Studebaker Corporation.

2–7 players180 minages 12

About the game

What is Wheels of Change: The US Auto Industry of the 1950s

“Always give more than you promised.” –Motto of the Studebaker Corporation.

The 1950s auto industry was a fascinating and unique period in USA economic history. Transitioning from a seller’s to a buyer’s market following the post-war economic boom, the automobile market in the USA was marked by tremendous changes inside and out of the industry. New automotive massed-produced technologies such as automatic transmissions, overhead valve V-8 engines, air conditioning, power brakes and other accessories competed for buyers' attention along with new makes (hardtops and station wagons in particular), annual styling changes and new model lines. New marketing techniques were also developed in the face of rising consumer demands, new communication technologies (especially television), and a growing middle class with increasing cash to spend, as well as a growing need for transportation as millions moved from the cities to the expanding suburbs.

In this game players take on the roles of the independent auto makers Studebaker, Packard, Nash, Hudson, Kaiser-Fraser and Willys-Overland (henceforward referred to as Willys) and try to survive and hopefully even grow during this turbulent decade. The rules and card play cover the actions of the "Big Three" (GM, Ford/Lincoln/Mercury/Edsel, Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge), as well as national events that impacted the overall economy and automobile industry. A variant adds an additional player to take on the role of the Tucker Automobile Company. Players must allocate resources to marketing, product development, new technologies, dealerships and their various car lines (luxury, family, sport and economy models) and live/adapt with the results.

Each turn represents a year, with each side of the game board that players must transit representing a season of the year. Cards that represent various company assets as designers, new products, dealerships among others are played. Event cards are drawn at various points that can adversely affect, or benefit, one of more players during the turn or game. There are three scenarios (1951-53, 1954-56 and 1957-59) that concentrate on key periods of the decade for the auto industry, and a "campaign game" that covers the entire period. Players win by earning profit and gaining market share, and lose by going bust. Can you do as well or better than your historical car manufacturer?

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